Vietnam, U.S. Discuss Technology for Dioxin Cleanup in Danang Airport

Experts from Vietnam and the U.S. have participated in a conference concerning technologies to remediate dioxin-contaminated Danang airport, one of hot spots for Agent Orange residue left from the Vietnam War. Of the technologies, experts discussed In-pile Thermal Desorption (IPTD), a method capable of achieving target cleanup goals for treatment with site-specific soils and sediments at the airport. Cleanup technology is part of the joint project including bomb and mine clearance, road building to the site. The project is expected to complete in 2015. The conference is among activities which Donald Steinberg, Deputy Administrator of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) participated in during his visit to Vietnam beginning May 7. The cleanup is very important marking one of issues in a joint project signed between the Vietnamese Ministry of National Defense and USAID, said Donald Steinberg. Francis Donovan, USAID Vietnam Mission Director, said that the cleaning project might cost $43 million. (Ha Noi Moi – New Hanoi May 9 p7)